System and method for ablation procedure monitoring using electrodes

Abstract

A microwave ablation system includes an antenna assembly configured to deliver microwave energy from a power source to tissue. One or more electrodes are disposed on the antenna assembly and are configured to be positioned relative to tissue upon insertion of the antenna assembly into tissue. The one or more electrodes are configured to generate a feedback signal in response to an electrical signal supplied thereto from the power source. The feedback signal corresponds to the proximity of tissue relative to the at least one electrode and is configured to be compared to a predetermined parameter to determine a depth of the insertion of the antenna assembly into tissue. The power source is configured to control the delivery of microwave energy to the antenna assembly based on the comparison.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for providing energy to tissue and, more particularly, to electromagnetic radiation delivery procedures utilizing ablation probes and methods of monitoring an ablation procedure using electrodes.[0003]2. Discussion of Related Art[0004]Treatment of certain diseases requires destruction of malignant tumors. Electromagnetic radiation can be used to heat and destroy tumor cells. Treatment may involve inserting ablation probes into tissues where cancerous tumors have been identified. Once the probes are positioned, electromagnetic energy is passed through the probes into surrounding tissue.[0005]In the treatment of diseases such as cancer, certain types of cancer cells have been found to denature at elevated temperatures that are slightly lower than temperatures normally injurious to healthy cells. Known treatment methods, such as hyperthermia therapy, use electromagnetic radiation to heat dis...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present patent relates to a microwave ablation system and a method for performing a tissue ablation procedure using the system. The system includes an antenna assembly with electrodes that are positioned relative to tissue and generate a feedback signal in response to an electrical signal from a power source. This feedback signal is compared to a predetermined parameter to determine the depth of the insertion of the antenna assembly into tissue. The delivery of microwave energy from the power source is controlled based on the comparison. The technical effect of this patent is that it provides a more accurate and safe mechanism for delivering microwave energy to tissue during a tissue ablation procedure.

Problems solved by technology

During certain procedures, it can be difficult to assess the extent to which the microwave energy radiates into the surrounding tissue, making it difficult to determine the area or volume of surrounding tissue that will be or is ablated.

However, when a microwave antenna assembly is not used properly, the radiated microwave fields may pose a hazard to both the patient and the user of the antenna assembly.

Improper use of an antenna assembly, for example, may include insufficient insertion depth of the shaft of the antenna assembly into tissue.

In this scenario, if the antenna assembly is not inserted to the minimum depth required for proper operation, microwave fields may undesirably propagate along the shaft toward the user.

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